WOODEN CHURCHES OF MARAMURES

The Wooden Churches of Maramures comprise a set of eight churches that are also incredible examples of a variety of architectural solutions from various times in history. Each of these churches are characteristically tall, with slim clock towers at one end of the building, and have single or double roofs that are covered by shingles.

Dotting the mountain region of northern Romania, these eight churches including the Budesti Josani church, the Rogoz church, Surdesti church and others are believed to be among the most beautiful places in Romania. Each of them display a variety of individualistic designs and craftsmanship in their narrow, high, timber construction. They are however, characteristically tall, with the western end of the buildings featuring a slim clock tower, and are either single or double roofed.

The wooden structures were built around the 18th and 19th centuries after the last great Tatar invasions ended. All the churches have been made with thick logs, are quite tiny and dark within and are painted with scenes from the Bible. Some of these churches also have their interiors decorated in rich fabrics and are a delight to watch. The eight churches are located in Barsana, Budesti, Plopis, Poienile Izei, Desesti, Ieud Deal, Rogos, and Surdesti.

Highlights

• Witness the marvellous sight of the quaint eight wooden churches standing amidst the lush northern hills of the country
• Admire the unique architecture of these churches that have a characteristic feature of a tall tower above the entrance as well as a huge roof that almost dwarfs the main body of the church
• Explore the local villages and market squares that also feature quaint cafes serving mouth watering local food
• Discover the stunning workmanship on the body of the church with symbolic carvings that have been made to adorn the exterior of the structure